Story perspectives

White House Scrutiny: Powell's Future at Fed Uncertain

1/15/2026

Center

Powell Faces Scrutiny

The White House faces scrutiny after a Justice Department probe questions whether Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell misled Congress, risking independence and market stability.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's plans for a smooth transition at the Fed are jeopardized.
Some aides distance themselves, fearing it could hurt the administration more than Powell.
Powell's job remains secure, despite market reactions and tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration ahead of midterms.

Left

Republicans Confront Challenges

The House Republican majority is 218 seats after Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene resigns and Rep. Doug LaMalfa dies, limiting Speaker Mike Johnson to two defections and complicating governance ahead of an election year.
U.S. officials led by Vice President JD Vance will meet Danish and Greenlandic leaders to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s claims about acquiring Greenland.
Denmark’s Prime Minister warns Trump’s insistence could jeopardize NATO relations.

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Powell Faces Scrutiny

The White House faces scrutiny after a Justice Department probe questions whether Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell misled Congress, risking independence and market stability.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's plans for a smooth transition at the Fed are jeopardized.
Some aides distance themselves, fearing it could hurt the administration more than Powell.
Powell's job remains secure, despite market reactions and tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump's administration ahead of midterms.

1 / 2